Sa Kaeo, pronounced "Sa Gaeo" is an eastern border city of Thailand, located approximately 245km from Bangkok. In the past, it was once an important and prosperous community with a long history since the Suvarnabhumi and the Dvaravati Kingdoms, which can be noticed from the group of various remains of ancient monuments and architecture, scattered in the province, as well as artefacts telling the history and glory of the past to the descendants.

Apart from the historical ancient remains worthy for study, Sa Kaeo also possesses abundant natural resources such as the Pang Sida National Park and the Ta Phraya National Park, as well as, the natural canyonlike soil sculpture caused by ground subsidence called "Lalu" with unique characteristics.

At the Thai border in Amphoe Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo is a grand gate opening to Cambodia, connecting international transportation and tourism within one route. Moreover, Rong Kluea Market offers both cheap and second-hand products from various neighbouring countries.

Sa Kaeo is the 74th province of Thailand and was originally a satellite town of Prachin Buri (called Prachim in the past). In 1933, the system of Thesaphiban or administrative circle was abolished and Prachin Buri was uplifted to a province. Therefore, Sa Kaeo became a district in Prachin Buri. It was later separated from the province and officially acclaimed a province on 1st December, 1993.

The history of Sa Kaeo can be traced back for over 4,000 years, starting from the Neolithic – Metal Age with a discovery of artefacts at Ban Khok Makok, Khao Sip Sub-district, Khao Chakan District. In a later period, other antiques were found such as in Aranyaprathet and Ta Phraya Districts, presenting evidence that Sa Kaeo was once an important and prosperous community during the Chenla – Dvaravati Periods with their own civilisation and culture under the kings or rulers who believed in Hinduism, both the Shivaite and Vishnuite sects. It can be observed from the ancient remains and inscriptions in the Pallava script at Prasat Khao Noi, Khao Rang, and Chong Sa Chaeng, etc, especially the Pallava inscription at Prasat Khao Noi, Aranyaprathet District, which has been considered as the oldest piece of evidence discovered in Thailand that states the year of its construction, in approximately the year 637.

Moreover, there were discoveries of evidence reflecting the civilisation during the 10th - 11th century within this area such as various Prasats or sanctuaries made of bricks or stone, ceramic kilns, ancient moats which have left traces until the present time, including 2 inscriptions in Prasat Sdok Kok Thom, estimated to date from the 10th century. This Prasat was constructed to be a religious shrine of the God Shiva as stated in the 1st inscription that in 937, King Jayavarman IV had this inscription placed in this Prasat as an announcement prohibiting servants dedicated to this shrine to serve in other businesses, but only take care and conduct a worshipping ceremony to the Shiva Lingam – a Hindu phallic symbol of creative power – or other sacred images enshrined in this Prasat. On the other hand, the other inscription praised the good deeds of King Udayadityavarman II, who had this ancient sanctuary renovated, as well as, finished an inscription on the civilisation and religion. From the aforementioned inscriptions and remains, the system of administration utilised by the Ancient Khmer Empire over the area can be noticed. Therefore, this province can be considered as intellectual heritage which has been passed on and is valuable for further study.

Sa Kaeo covers a total area of approximately 7,195 square kilometres or 4,496,961 rai.

From Bangkok, take Phahon Yothin Road to Rangsit, keep left and cross the ring bridge to Highway 305, passing Ongkharak District and Nakhon Nayok Province. Enter Highway 33, passing Kabin Buri District to Sa Kaeo Province. The total distance is 214km.

From Bangkok, take Highway 1 and turn right at Hin Kong Intersection. Go along Highway 33, passing Nakhon Nayok Province, and Kabin Buri District. The total distance is 245km.

From Bangkok, take Highway 304, passing Min Buri District and Chachoengsao Province to Phanom Sarakham District. At Km. 35, turn right to Kabin Buri District along Highway 304. At Km. 95, turn right again into Highway 33 to Sa Kaeo Province. The total distance is 210km.

From Bangkok, take Highway 304, passing Min Buri District to Chachoengsao Province. Then, take the route to Phanom Sarakham District, passing the Khao Hin Son Royal Development Study Centre. At Km. 54, there is a crossroads. Turn right to Sa Kaeo Province by taking Highway 359 for 65km. It is a shortcut to Sa Kaeo at the present time.

The State Railway of Thailand provides a Bangkok – Sa Kaeo – Aranyaphrathet train service 2 times a day. The first one leaves Bangkok at 5.55 a.m. and arrives at Sa Kaeo at 10.32 a.m. and to Aranyaprathet at 11.30 a.m. The second one departs Bangkok at 1.05 p.m. to Sa Kaeo at 5.25 p.m., and to Aranyaprathet at 6.20 p.m. Additionally, there are 2 trains to Bangkok. The first one departs Aranyaprathet at 6.35 a.m. to Sa Kaeo at 7.26 a.m., and to Bangkok at 11.30 a.m., while the second one departs Aranyaprathet at 1.35 p.m. to Sa Kaeo at 2.37 p.m., and to Bangkok at 7.30 p.m. The fare is 48 Baht. For further information, please contact Tel. 0 2223 7010, 0 2220 4334, 1690, or www.railway.co.th, or Sa Kaeo Railway Station at Tel. 0 3726 1217.

This city is really not much more than a strip along the main highway towards the Cambodian border.
Pretty well everything is along the roughly 4km strip, and there is not much out to the side within the city.
The bus station is about 1Km towards BKK,and after a couple of traffic lights as you turn left from the bus station back onto the main road, you will arrive in the city centre.
There are a few tuktuks, but they tend to sit in selected places (bus station and city centre), waiting for fares. There are also motorcycle taxis similarly.

There are a couple of decent restaurants on the right hand side facing Cambodia, close to the laneway to the Travel Hotel, and the street leading to the Tippura Hotel. Right in the city centre. Good food and not expensive. Beer is sold there.

There are also street eats in the centre of the City more or less opposite the Travel Hotel. - these are stalls which have tables and chairs for you to sit and eat. Some have beer, and with others you buy it at the 711 and drink as you eat. Good meals as cheap as B50.

Tippura Hotel, 90 Tetsaban 12 Rd, ☎037 421929-32. This hotel is pretty well in the centre of town. There are plenty of signs on the main road pointing to it. It is a couple of hundred metres off the main road, on the right hand side coming from BKK, in the centre of the city. It is quiet, well appointed, with hot water, TV, bar fridge and an onsite restaurant. Cost B790 and includes Western or Thai breakfast. Does not have tea, only coffee! But if you tell Reception when you check in, they will make sure tea is available for breakfast. Is apparently the upmarket hotel in town.edit

There are a couple of other hotels in the city centre - the Travel Hotel on the right coming from BKK,phone 037 241024. It is along a short lane. Looks to be a mid range hotel.
Also as you head south there are more hotels - at least three of these within 2 kilometres of the City centre. One is the River Resort, and another is the Golden House Hotel.